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Hopkins 7-way blade & 4-way flat combination receptacle question

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by celchlepp, Nov 5, 2021.

  1. Nov 5, 2021 at 8:18 PM
    #1
    celchlepp

    celchlepp [OP] New Member

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    WELL reinforced Gooseneck ball hitch in bed, nerf bars, window rain guards, Backup camera, dashcam, among other little improvements.
    I'm wondering about a specific few points regarding this particular receptacle (OR any similar config). I'm wanting to replace an old corroded 7-way blade RV receptacle mounted in the front left of the inside of the bed of my 2002 Tundra. The combination receptacle is only a luxury advantage to have as a convenience. I never have used a gooseneck with only a 4-pole flat connection but figured what the heck. If it’s easy enough, why not have it available anyway. There is already a 4 flat plug and separate 7 blade receptacle beneath the rear bumper.

    My question about this receptacle: Is the four-pole outlet hardwired from the same poles shared with the 7-blade part of the receptacle? If yes, could I simply wire the blue brake controller wire directly to the usual standard brake controller pole on the 7-blade receptacle? Same question exists for an auxiliary power lead for an aux lead on the 7-blade connection. I'll attach a photo of the wires going to this older receptacle I am wanting to replace with new, and want to add the availability of the extra 4-pole flat option incorporated into the receptacle.

    As the photos show, there is the standard flat four plus two extras: A larger black (10ga perhaps) and a smaller red lead (14ga I think). That obviously is only six leads going to a seven-pole connection. As I mentioned, I'd like to run the blue brake controller lead to this receptacle as well. Is there any reason that would not work on this 7-blade receptacle? I know the 4-pole flat connection does NOT include a brake controller lead, and is only for lighting purposes. If the 4-pole works directly off wiring the 7-blade receptacle though, that’s great. I don’t see any reason I couldn’t just wire an additional [blue] lead of electric trailer brake to the available seventh pole.

    If I’m missing something please enlighten me. MANY thanks in advance for any helpful advice and feedback.

    In-bed 7-pole leads.jpg
    In bed 7-pole receptacle & leads.jpg
     
  2. Nov 6, 2021 at 4:13 AM
    #2
    NetGnome

    NetGnome New Member

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    Removed lots of rust.
    I believe you are correct that the 4 pole connector shares the lighting wires with the 7 pole connector.
    Be mindful of the wire size on the new connector as they might be a smaller gauge than the existing wire size, limiting your current to the trailer.
    I am not sure how the bed mounted connector is wired to the bumper connector.
     
    celchlepp[OP] likes this.
  3. Nov 6, 2021 at 5:15 AM
    #3
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

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    I have that exact receptacle on my '00. I wired it up when I bought the truck a while back.

    Yes, the 4 pole and 7 pole share the same wiring. In a conventional setup, it should be wired like this diagram. It assumes the vehicle already has a 4 pole plug installed. So you just plug into the existing 4 pole for the lights, then get the Reverse, 12V Constant, Brake Control, and Ground from the other 4 wires. I didn't bother with the reverse light.
    Pro Tip: those yellow plastic connectors have no business being used on a trailer wiring set up that will be exposed to the elements. You can still use the crimp connectors though. Pull/cut the yellow plastic covers off the connectors and use heat-shrink tubing instead to seal the crimps.

    upload_2021-11-6_7-57-9.jpg
     
    celchlepp[OP] likes this.
  4. Nov 6, 2021 at 1:36 PM
    #4
    celchlepp

    celchlepp [OP] New Member

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    WELL reinforced Gooseneck ball hitch in bed, nerf bars, window rain guards, Backup camera, dashcam, among other little improvements.
    TVPierce, because you already have and are using this adapter, could you comment on NetGnome's comment of: "Be mindful of the wire size on the new connector as they might be a smaller gauge than the existing wire size, limiting your current to the trailer"?

    Makes perfect sense of course, if it is a concern at all with this Hopkins receptacle. I know manufacturers often use as little input of quality material as possible to keep costs down, so please give your first hand knowledge here on the wire gauge.

    Many thanks to you both for getting back to me with VERY helpful replies. I sure appreciate it. Oh, and thanks for throw'n in your "Protip". That's what I have always done since I ever first discoverer solder shrink tubing butt connectors many years ago.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2021
  5. Nov 7, 2021 at 3:33 AM
    #5
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

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    The lighting wires coming from the 4 pole connector are smaller (I'm guessing 16g). But the the other 4 are all 10g.
     
    celchlepp[OP] likes this.
  6. Nov 7, 2021 at 7:34 AM
    #6
    celchlepp

    celchlepp [OP] New Member

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    WELL reinforced Gooseneck ball hitch in bed, nerf bars, window rain guards, Backup camera, dashcam, among other little improvements.
    Good to know. Thanks again! Look'n forward to getting it in place soon.
     
  7. Nov 9, 2021 at 7:02 PM
    #7
    celchlepp

    celchlepp [OP] New Member

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    WELL reinforced Gooseneck ball hitch in bed, nerf bars, window rain guards, Backup camera, dashcam, among other little improvements.
    If anyone still responds to this thread, I am curious if these testers work at all.
     
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    #7
  8. Nov 10, 2021 at 3:43 AM
    #8
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

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    I don't see how it couldn't work. But understand that all six LEDs aren't going to light up right away even if everything is working properly. The left-turn and right turn LEDs will blink only when the turn signals are activated. You're still going to need someone else to apply the brakes and put the transmission in reverse while you watch for the brake and reverse LEDs to light up.
    The tester is fine, but you could do everything it does with a simple test light or multimeter. And the test light or multimeter will allow you to test the rest of the system too.
     
    celchlepp[OP] likes this.
  9. Nov 11, 2021 at 10:07 AM
    #9
    celchlepp

    celchlepp [OP] New Member

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    WELL reinforced Gooseneck ball hitch in bed, nerf bars, window rain guards, Backup camera, dashcam, among other little improvements.
    Thanks again TV! :) Much obliged.
     
    tvpierce likes this.
  10. Nov 11, 2021 at 10:25 AM
    #10
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

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    :thumbsup:
     
    celchlepp[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  11. Nov 11, 2021 at 3:12 PM
    #11
    celchlepp

    celchlepp [OP] New Member

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    Messages:
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    Vehicle:
    2002 White LTD access cab 4wd 4.7
    WELL reinforced Gooseneck ball hitch in bed, nerf bars, window rain guards, Backup camera, dashcam, among other little improvements.
    TV, I don't know where your profile photo is from, but doggone that's funny.
     

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